New Jersey Devils Surprising 2015-16 Campaign

The 2015-16 New Jersey Devils team were projected to have one of the worst records on the NHL. As of February 21st, New Jersey has a winning record of 29-24-7 (65 points), and are 1 point shy of a Wild Card position.

The Devils acquired New Jersey raised, forward Kyle Palmieri from the Anaheim Ducks for two draft picks, at the 2015 NHL Entry Draft in Florida, on June 26th. Palmieri had career highs of 14 goals and 31 points in 71 games in the 2013-14 season, his third of four years in Anaheim. As of February 21st, in 60 games, Kyle already has career highs in goals, 22, and in points, 39. He has been a great addition for New Jersey, and will likely to resign with the team in the off-season, for his 3 year contract will end, making him a restricted free agent (RFA).

There are a lot of young, fresh bodies in the Devils locker room. A few of those young players are forwards Joseph Blandisi and Reid Boucher, and as well as defenders Damon Severson and Adam Larsson. Blandisi was called up from Albany in mid December, and in 21 games, Joseph has had 5 goals and 12 points. Boucher, on the other hand, in 18 games, has 4 goals and 9 points. On the blue line for New Jersey, Damon Severson has 12 assists and 13 points in 54 games. 2011 4th overall pick Adam Larsson has 11 assists and 13 points in 60 games.

Cory Schneider has been one of the hottest goalies in the league. As of February 21st, he is tied for first with St. Louis Blues net minder Brian Elliot, for Goals Against Average (GAA), with 2.06. He is 5th in the league for Save Percentage (SV%), with .928. Cory is also tied for 4th in the league with Shutouts with 4. If he keeps on doing his job, he can definitely be a Vezina Trophy candidate.

If New Jersey keeps on playing with there success, they can find themselves in a Wild Card spot, and possibly even a Divisional Playoff spot.